Removal of West Coast wreck underway

Ultra Galaxy wreck ongoing

SOUTH AFRICA: Having been contracted to undertake the wreck removal of the Ultra Galaxy off the coast near Lutzville, Shanghai Salvage Co mobilised their grab dredger to the Port of Cape Town in December last year and has to date removed over 3,748 tons of material from the seabed and wreckage.

The arrival of the vessel caused some consternation in December when ship spotters circulated stories that the grab dredger had been involved in grave robbing of historical wrecks around the globe and started speculating where she was headed.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), however, has confirmed that the wreck removal is underway in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

“The removal of the Ultra Galaxy wreck is a critical step in protecting our marine environment and ensuring safe navigation. We are confident in the operation plan, which prioritises pollution control, environmental compliance, and local economic benefits," noted SAMSA Acting CEO, Mbalenhle Golding.

A final joint inspection will be undertaken to confirm that the site has been restored to its natural state before SAMSA issues formal cessation approval.

Wreck removal process

According to sources in the industry, wreckage will initially be cut up and brought on board the dredge by a massive grab after which an underwater magnet will be used to sweep for any remaining metal debris on the seabed.

The removed material is being transported via tug and barge for safe disposal in Saldanha Bay. Hazardous waste is managed in accordance with the Waste Management Plan with steel being processed in Cape Town, while other hazardous materials are handled at the DFFE Vredehoek Hazardous Waste Disposal Site.

The pollution response and environmental compliance efforts are being led by SpillTech and include the deployment of absorbent booms around the wreck during the cutting process as well as booming off of the engine and aft sections to contain any potential oil spills.

According to a statement from SAMSA all remaining oil that may have escaped or recharged from the wreckage removal program was contained to the immediate area around the wreckage and beach and did not drift further South.

The operation is expected to take three to four months, with ongoing efforts to complete it as efficiently as possible by addressing any challenges promptly to safeguard the environment and local communities.

The Ultra Galaxy ran aground on 9 July last year after developing a severe list during a storm while navigating south of the country. Fortunately, all crew members were successfully rescued, despite the vessel being abandoned.

Despite initiating a protracted salvage operation, the vessel started to break up and efforts were called off so that a wreck removal in order to proceed with the wreck removal contract process.